Remembering the Civil War: Songs, films and books

The crown jewel of Sergio Leone's "Man With No Name" trilogy is set during the final years of the Civil War. The plot concerns protagonists Blondie and Tuco recovering $200,000 ahead of the soulless Angel Eyes, though the war sets the revolving tones of despair, confused identity and eventual hope. Blondie's compassion for both Union and Confederate soldiers also serves to establish his character as the titular "Good."

The crown jewel of Sergio Leone's "Man With No Name" trilogy is set during the final years of the Civil War. The plot concerns protagonists Blondie and Tuco recovering $200,000 ahead of the soulless Angel Eyes, though the war sets the revolving tones of despair, confused identity and eventual hope. Blondie's compassion for both Union and Confederate soldiers also serves to establish his character as the titular "Good." (United Artists)

Steven Spielberg's 2012 drama that focuses on our 16th President's tumultuous final months in office as Abraham Lincoln pursues a course of action designed to end the war. The movie garnered 12 Oscar nominations.

Steven Spielberg's 2012 drama that focuses on our 16th President's tumultuous final months in office as Abraham Lincoln pursues a course of action designed to end the war. The movie garnered 12 Oscar nominations. (David James/20th Century Fox/MCT)

April 12 will mark the 152nd anniversary of the beginning of the American Civil War, which means we've had plenty of time to gain some perspective on one of the most momentous events of our nation's past. Though the country lost much, it gained a more solid identity, along with numerous works of art and literature that captured the years following 1861. Here are some of the more memorable ones.